Matic reunites with Mourinho

Manchester United have completed the signing of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea, his new club have announced.

The midfielder, who turns 29 on August 1, joins on a three-year deal with an option to extend it by a further year after playing 121 Premier League matches for the Blues, scoring four goals.

Matic made 30 starts in Antonio Conte’s first season at Stamford Bridge, with Cesc Fabregas largely playing second fiddle to the Serbian as the club’s central midfielders vied for a spot alongside N’Golo Kante.

For Manchester United’s part, Jose Mourinho will be reunited with a player whom he requested during his previous spell at Chelsea, and will look to Matic to provide depth in a squad that he feels is still not complete.

Mourinho told United’s official website: “Nemanja is a Manchester United player and a Jose Mourinho player. He represents everything we want in a footballer; loyalty, consistency, ambition, team player.

“I would like to thank him for his desire to join us because without that, it would be impossible to have him here. I am sure our players and supporters will love him. A big welcome to our new number 31.”